Key topics for European foreign and security policy are on the agenda of today’s Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, namely Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the military escalation in the Middle East which affects the stability of the entire region and beyond. The Council is taking place ahead of the meeting of EU Heads of State and Government in Brussels at the end of the week.

Focus on Ukraine: continuing support, overcoming deadlock

Solidarity with Ukraine may not be weakened by support for other crisis-hit regions. It is equally important to systematically limit Russia’s possible economic gains from increasing energy prices, as the country continues to pose the greatest security threat to Europe. Germany is doing everything in its power to overcome the current blocking of a 90‑billion‑euro EU loan to Ukraine and the twentieth sanctions package against Russia.

Following the massive destruction of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure by Russian attacks, Germany is also calling for additional bilateral and multilateral support measures, particularly in the energy sector. As usual, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha will join the discussions via video link at the start of the meeting.

Situation in the Middle East

The Foreign Affairs Council will also focus on the war-related events in the Near and Middle East and their impact on Europe.

We need greater clarity from Israel and the United States on the military objectives in Iran. Only then can we think about a security architecture for the entire region with the neighbouring countries. Huge numbers of people are already suffering as a result of this war. As both the largest economic area and largest humanitarian actor in the world, the European Union will give a voice to those affected by the war. To alleviate the suffering, Germany has put together an emergency aid package worth 188 million euro.

Informal lunch with the Indian Foreign Minister

A lunch with the Indian Foreign Minister will take place on the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council. In addition to the threats to the global economy arising from the escalation in the Middle East, the main topics for discussion will be the close trade relations and the security and defence cooperation between the EU and India.

The focus will be on the free trade agreement between the EU and India. In view of the current geostrategic challenges, this agreement is a great economic policy success. It must now be ratified as quickly as possible.

Germany also welcomes the establishment of a security and defence partnership with India. We want to encourage India to use its contacts with Russia to support de‑escalation and a ceasefire in Ukraine.